Board hears first readings of two policy updates: non-monetary agreements and drug‑/alcohol‑free workplace

The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education received first readings Thursday of two policy proposals: a new policy, KG, to guide agreements with outside agencies that do not involve monetary exchange, and a revision to GBEC, the district’s drug- and alcohol‑free workplace policy, to align language with recent statutory updates addressing cannabis, electronic delivery devices and modern tobacco products.

KG (non‑monetary agreements): District counsel and administration explained the proposed policy would separate non‑monetary agreements (MOUs, partnerships that do not include payments) from procurement and contract rules in the D‑series. The policy would allow the board to delegate approval of certain low‑impact, non‑substantial agreements to the superintendent while preserving board approval for agreements that “involve the commitment of substantial public resources other than money.” Trustees debated whether to quantify “substantial” or retain the qualitative standard; staff said assigning a dollar threshold risks conflating non‑monetary agreements with procurement and recommended leaving the term qualitative while guaranteeing notification and reporting to the board for delegated approvals. Trustees asked for a regulation and templates, and for clearer language that Joint Powers Agreements are governed by New Mexico law.

GBEC (drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace): Legal counsel and human resources presented language added to align LCPS policy with recent changes in NMAC and to clarify definitions (e.g., “e‑cigarette,” “device,” “cannabis”). The draft explicitly includes substitutes, volunteers and contractors and says use of prescribed medication or participation in a medical cannabis program would not automatically be a policy violation; instead, if an employee’s prescribed use impairs their ability to perform essential job functions, a case‑by‑case ADA interactive process would be followed. Trustees asked staff to add cross‑references to the district’s employee assistance and wellness policies (JBGC) and to the student‑focused policies that address substance issues, and several trustees asked HR to bring proposed regulation language that lays out supports and next steps for employees before the second reading.

Both items were presented as first readings; no board votes were taken. Trustees requested clarified language on thresholds, reporting timelines for delegated approvals, template MOUs and cross‑referenced regulations for employee support.